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Polyrhachis spp.
A dense cluster of busy spiny ants each about 10mm long.
Found on a eucalyptus sapling about 2m above ground in dry, open forest.
Wicks Nature Reserve.
These usually stay near the ground but activity was intense at this leaf axil meaning there was a serious attractant. Probably something like a scale bug or leaf hopper nymph was exuding nectar but I could not get the cluster of ants to disperse properly. They got very aggressive when I tried.
They spray formic acid from a small circular hole at the tip of the gaster.
This Polyrhachis species has only one pair of strong spines at the rear of the mesosoma.
I like these guys, as long as I am not the attractant...interesting spotting, Mark!
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
Spotted on Oct 7, 2017
Submitted on Oct 9, 2017
